early 15c., "teaching, instruction," from Old French document (13c.) "lesson, written evidence," from Latin documentum "example, proof, lesson," in Medieval Latin "official written instrument," from docere "to show, teach" (see doctor (n.)). Meaning "something written that provides proof or evidence" is from early 18c. Related: Documents.

1. Any specific type of file produced or edited by a specific application; usually capable of being printed. E.g. "Word document", "Photoshop document", etc. 2. A term used on some systems (e.g. Intermedia) for a hypertextnode. It is sometimes used for a collection of nodes on related topics, possibly stored or distributed as one. 3. To write documentation on a certain piece of code. (2003-10-25)